I have two HF transceivers a Kenwood ft-690sat and an Icom IC-707. Now and then i her from fellow hams that this are "older rigs", that i should try some of the newer rigs with DSP. and so on. For some reason i don't feel like changing. And if DSP could have helped me with a QSO, that would be hard with my current rigs, i am not sure it's that important to me. It's not about the money because i spent a lot on other stuff. Any one else that feels the same?

Sometimes the propaganda from the folks who "you need a new this" or "a new that" could almost be taken right from a sales brochure.

Most of my gear this at least 20 years old with a few pieces that are 50 years old. Without exception I can carry on as many QSO's as folks who have the latest microprocessor driven, DSP-centric, software designed radio.

Sometimes I think the use of a DSP is a easy way out from developing a "golden ear" and knowing how to maximize the performance of your antenna system and the radio you have.

I run my Yaesu FT-950 as close to analog, so to speak, as I can get it. I hate all of the DSP (some of it gimicky) and rarely use it. Many days I wonder if I should sell it and go back to my older TS-570 or (FT-840 that I loved) or get an IC-718. Add my little SCAF filter and external keyer and it's a heck of a nice station that is simple, FUN and easy on my pocketbook. I guarantee you that I can work just as many stations. A good filter, attenuator, and IF-shift works wonders. 73, Doug

I have old, I have new.. 90% of the time, I run the old. Some of the vintage stuff just can't be beat. That Corsair II by the way is a KEEPER!! I always loved that rig! As far as the 520 goes, good radio, but the 530 SP and the 830 I find to be IMHO much nicer.

Don't fret the old stuff, I love it and can afford anything out there if I want it, but a 10k radio isn't what I want nor need. I get more of a rise fixing stuff and rebuilding old rigs and then using them on the air. The rig I run now is over 10 years old, its my favorite in the shack and I have 6 newer radios I can use. Good Luck with what you have, chances are there are fellow hams drooling right now to get their hands on it. Richy N2ZD

If you're looking to make improvements to your station, it's always good to look to see if you can do anything with your antenna. That will go a long way. I'd much rather have a heathkit HW-101 with a gigantic tower / array / etc rather than an IC-7800 with an innefective antenna.

When I look to make improvements, the first place I look is the antenna.

I use an admittedly much modified FT102 inherited from my father - he bought it in 1983. It has the original relays, driver and PA tubes. It's done quite a few contests, and I have an audio DSP box for when it's needed. I also have the matching desk mic, external VFO and speaker. It has more than adequate instantaneous dynamic range, is very good on phase noise, produces good transmit audio and has the advantage that it is repairable. It's a fine rx and as far as DX is concerned, I only need one country - KP1 - for the #1 Honor Roll spot.

So I would say stick with older gear if it does what you want. Bear in mind, too, that anything with a special to type ASIC in it and surface mount is unlikely to be as readily repairable as gear with conventional through hole mounting and stock ICs.

Heck---I still own and operate my ICOM 740 bought in '82---Icom's 'flagship' rig at the time, ham-band only, has 2 PLL systems (one is used to generate the HFO injection signals, and the other generates the VFO signals)---very quiet receiver, superb controls, and a pleasure to use. Recently had the meter bulb replaced and the COMP switch cleaned. There aren't many out there as only about 4000 or so were produced as following models were catching the 'general-coverage disease).73---Ernie VE3GNU

well I have a full suite of professional audio software, recording, editing, and composing/creation...audio processing is no problem for me, but I would like to have a basic radio. A basic radio with a few analog rf filters or what not, but that is not a requirement. I'll do with what i can. Now recently I saw a real nice receiver only for 200 or less used, so I agree it can be done...maybe following the ideas of better to have big ears then a big mouth build a nice qrp transciever for 30 - 50 bucks and buy a good receiver for 150 - 200? Then scrounge and ...well i should build nice antennas first and then scrounge for a receiver...but you get the idea.

Yes sometimes if it is not broken, keep using it! On today's crowded bands good filters come in handy, but it depends upon operating modes and preferences. For operating 80 and 160m CW I have found a switched capacitor audio filter (SCAF) to work well at reducing QRN to copy weaker signals. The advantage of your rigs, to you, is that you already know how to operate them. Since you are not motivated to replace any of them, no need to.

It is nice to use a different rig from time-to-time. Here in USA we have field day coming up - an opportunity to enjoy using someone else's rig. Or maybe a shack visit to another ham, just to experience one of those newer radios. There may also be new hams wanting to experience the older radios! Enjoy what you have.

I lucked out last year and scored a mint condition TS-520S with the MC-50 mic and all the manuals and original packing. I love this radio and I always get excellent audio reports on it. Its a great beginners radio and it does most of what I need. Im watching for some of the other matching components for it, like the monitoring station and external VFO. Eventually, I plan on getting a newer rig, but if a mint TS-830S would come along at the right price, it might wind up sitting next to the 520S LOL

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